
Kindness In the Community
vs. indifference
Choosing words and actions to benefit others
without expecting a return

Yearning for a Friendly Face
By Mary Andres Russell
For decades, I traveled all over the country for business. During those busy times of travel, I remember yearning for the kindness of my mother and her warm and welcoming home.
Air travel is often a cold and unfriendly experience. Most travelers are focused on their phones and don’t give each other the time of day. Some airline employees are friendly and helpful, but certainly not all.
Of course, any experience depends on what we put out there, and I do recall having fun in an airport on a day that just happened to be my birthday. I told my fellow airport diners, who were more than happy to celebrate with me. And on my very last business trip before retiring, I told my seatmates about the momentous occasion, one of whom wanted to know about my career and experience.
Back to mom — as often as I could between trips, I would visit. She would welcome me with a warm smile, a listening ear, a gentle demeanor, and a home-cooked meal. It was balm for the soul.
This month, how can you be that warm and welcoming place for others, even if that means showing courtesy and kindness in the airport?
The Links below will take you to Resources you can use with the family or within community organizations
to teach the Character Quality of Kindness.
The following activities are related to dates this month and can relate to any character quality or good character in general.
February Character All Month
See NationalToday, AndTodayIs, NationalDayCalendar or DaysOfTheYear for more information on these and other holidays to celebrate this month. Day in Feb 2024 Holiday How to Commemorate with Character 1 National Get Up Day Today is #NationalGetUpDay. Originated by...
National Crayon Day, March 31
Crayons are a great way to be Creative from simply using them to draw or color a picture to getting fancy with melting them (with adult supervision) for more involved crafts. For more information on National Crayon Day visit the website at...
Feb. 17 Random Act of Kindness Day
February 17 is Random Act of Kindness Day What could you do to be kind to someone in your family? In the neighborhood? At school or work? Any kind activity counts. Why not join our Kinder Character Challenge? Twice a month, we email the challenge for the week. You are...
Our other Pillars have resources that can be used in a community or family setting.

Visit Kindness in School>>
Activities
No Matter How You Say It
Curriculum Connections
Croskey’s Corner

Visit Kindness in Business>>
Teambuilding
Power Up with Character
Interview Questions
Adult Business Books

Visit Kindness in Faith>>
Christian Family Activity
Bible Verses
Christian Poster
Prayer and Reflections
Archived Resources